After an amniocentesis

It is indeed common for a follow up blood test to be taken after an amniocentesis if the result has come back as what is known as 'low normal'. ...

24/02/2014

Question

I underwent an amniocentesis and having been trying not to worry about the result.

I was informed today by the hospital that a blood sample is now required from both my husband and myself to help with a that has shown in some of the results.

The nurse was unable to provide any further information other than to tell me not to panic and when I asked if this was unusual she tried to assure me it was not uncommon.

I'm becoming increasingly worried and would appreciate any information about why these blood tests are required.

It will not be possible to obtain these blood samples for a further week as my husband is currently working abroad, and I can only assume that the results will take a minimum of a week to come back.

I am currently 19-weeks pregnant, I have not previously had any children, although I have suffered a previous miscarriage at eight weeks and it took two years from the miscarriage to achieve this pregnancy.

Answer

I can quite understand your concerns here although I would hope to be able to reassure you.

It is indeed common for a follow up blood test to be taken after an amniocentesis if the result has come back as what is known as 'low normal'.

This means that the result is in the normal range but is slightly lower than usual for your age, and so a confirmatory blood test is done to show all is well.

This is a worrying time for any mother, and unfortunately there is little to do to alleviate this anxiety until the tests come back, but I am sure all will be well in the end.

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